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DNA repair

DNA is continuously prone to damage either by metabolism, or by environmental factors. Both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA can be affected. To maintain cellular integrity, the DNA repair machinery is constantly active as it responds to damage in the DNA structure. When this mechanism fails the cell could become senescent, it could enter apoptosis, or it could become cancerous.

The PARP family members are essential in a number of cellular functions. One important function of PARP is assisting in the repair of single-strand DNA nicks. PARP binds sites with single strand breaks through its N-terminal zinc fingers and will recruit XRCC1, DNA ligase III, DNA polymerase beta and a kinase to the nick. This process is called base excision repair (BER). BRCA repairs double strand breaks, but when BRCA is impaired, PARP can take over.

PARP inhibitors are currently being investigated as agents for chemotherapy, particularly for breast cancer.